By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Field Office VI reported that the number of families affected by Typhoon Kristine surged from 9,456 to 38,659.
The number equates to approximately 161,283 individuals, based on the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) report as of noon, October 25.
Currently, 1,319 families are sheltered in 98 evacuation centers across the region, while 951 families are staying with relatives or friends.
The DSWD-6 confirmed that Typhoon Kristine affected all six provinces – Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental – and the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.
The storm impacted 62 municipalities and cities, including Iloilo and Bacolod. In Aklan, the affected municipalities are Banga, Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Madalag, Makato, Malay, Nabas, New Washington, and Tangalan.
In Antique, the towns affected are Anini-y, Barbaza, Culasi, Laua-an, San Jose, San Remigio, Tibiao, and Valderrama.
Capiz recorded affected areas in Maayon, Pilar, and Roxas City. Guimaras saw damages in Buenavista and San Lorenzo.
In Iloilo, 20 towns were hit, including Ajuy, Balasan, Banate, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Dingle, Dumangas, Lambunao, Maasin, New Lucena, Oton, Pavia, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Enrique, San Joaquin, Tubungan, and Zarraga.
Negros Occidental experienced effects in Bago City, Cadiz City, Cauayan, EB Magalona, Escalante, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Hinobaan, Ilog, Isabela, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, Sagay City, Don Salvador Benedicto, Silay City, Sipalay City, and Valladolid.
The latest DROMIC report revealed that the DSWD-6, together with local government units, distributed PHP 8.42 million worth of humanitarian assistance. Of this, PHP 7.128 million came from the DSWD.
Atty. May Rago-Castillo, DSWD-6 public information officer, stated that they still have PHP 144.19 million in available relief resources. This includes a PHP 3 million standby fund and PHP 141.19 million allocated for food and non-food items.
Castillo also noted that these goods are already strategically positioned in various sites across the region.
Rago-Castillo further reported a significant increase in damaged homes.
The number rose from 169 on Thursday to 1,446. Of these, 124 houses were completely destroyed, while 1,322 sustained partial damage.
Affected families are expected to receive government assistance.
